Adaptive Electric Vehicle Power Management via CAN Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicles with hybrid power systems lack adaptive management and control capabilities, limiting the exploitation of their functional capacity and flexibility in adapting to different usage requirements, due to non-interchangeable auxiliary power generator systems and difficulties in managing and communicating power between devices.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive control method and apparatus for electric vehicles that utilize a CAN bus communication protocol to connect a main electric power storage device with auxiliary power modules, allowing selective activation and deactivation of auxiliary power sources based on efficiency data and driving requirements, enabling optimal power management and exploitation of power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If auxiliary power generator systems are made non-interchangeable to simplify control management, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different usage requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol management complexityVSAvoidadaptability to different usage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to manage multiple types of auxiliary power sources (generators and storage devices) through a single universal interface. The system can selectively activate different power sources based on operating conditions, making the control system versatile rather than requiring separate dedicated controllers for each power source type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and switches between different auxiliary power sources based on real-time operating conditions, state of charge levels, and power requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same control unit to efficiently manage various power source configurations without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex dedicated control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If auxiliary power sources are selectively activated and deactivated based on operating conditions, then energy efficiency is improved, but control and communication management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol and communication management
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the state of charge of auxiliary power sources and the operational status of the vehicle, using this feedback information to make intelligent decisions about which power sources to activate or deactivate. This feedback mechanism enables energy-efficient operation without requiring overly complex control logic, as the system automatically adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically manages the selection and switching of auxiliary power sources based on pre-programmed criteria and real-time sensor data, without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. This self-service capability simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining high energy efficiency through automated power source management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single main power storage device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different power requirements and future updates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower storage system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to different power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power storage system is segmented into a main power storage device and multiple auxiliary power sources. This segmentation allows the system to handle different power requirements by selectively engaging auxiliary sources while keeping the main storage device as the core component. The modular structure facilitates future updates and adaptations without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures the power storage architecture by selectively activating auxiliary power sources based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical hardware to adapt to varying power requirements and even future technological updates, while the main control unit manages the complexity of coordinating multiple storage devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2196371B1Method and apparatus for adaptive control of an electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 C R D CENT RICERCHE DUCATI TRENTO SRL
  • EP2196371B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2196371B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2196371B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method and apparatus for adaptive control of an electric vehicle (10). A main control module (18) of the vehicle (10) comprises a main electric power storage device (20) to supply power to the electric motor (21) of driving wheel (12), and at least one auxiliary power module (19) provided with an auxiliary electric power generation or storage device (24, 25) connectable via a power line (26) to the main power storage device (20). A first logic control unit (23) of the main control module (18) is connectable to a second logic control unit (25) of the auxiliary power module or modules (19), by a CAN bus protocol communication line (27). The first logic control unit (23) of the vehicle is programmed to enable and disable the auxiliary power module or modules (19) selecting between a first operative criteria of maximum charge of the power storage device (20) and a second operative criteria of maximum efficiency of the auxiliary power module or modules (19).